How populists encourage blind mistrust – and how to push back

By John Shayegh of Former US president and 2024 presidential candidate Donald Trump after speaking at a campaign rally in Claremont, New Hampshire, on 11 November 2023. Photo: AFP Opinion – Populism is booming. The first US Republican primary is only weeks away and former president Donald Trump, who is a master of populist techniques, … Read more

How to play happy families at Christmas, even when you’re not

Christmas isn’t all happy families for many separated whānau in New Zealand. Photo: Unsplash By Sarah Catherall Christmas Day can be one of the hardest times of year for many separated parents who must share their kids for part of the day or don’t see them at all. Rachel Archer, an Auckland interior designer, is … Read more

Geminid meteor shower: Where, when and how to watch it | Space News

EXPLAINER Considered an annual favourite, the Geminid meteor shower which peaks tonight is believed to be intensifying each year. Tuesday’s new moon has left a dim sky for one of the year’s most illuminating meteor showers to sparkle across it even more brightly. The Geminid meteor shower will reach its peak at about 19:00 GMT … Read more

Analysis: How to enforce the Israel-Hamas truce | Israel-Palestine conflict News

The pause was agreed to on Tuesday night, announced on Wednesday and was expected to temporarily halt the war on Thursday morning. But the fighting did not stop and in fact, seemed to intensify. Aerial bombardment continued, supporting Israeli forces trying to get as close as possible to the centre of Gaza City before the … Read more

Reactions to Australia’s World Cup win – ‘Aussies know how to win World Cups’

Congratulations to Australia on their sixth World Cup win. On the most important day of the biggest stage, they played better cricket. Hard luck Team India, just one bad day in an otherwise sterling tournament can be heartbreaking. I can imagine the agony of the players, fans… — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) November 20, 2023 Source … Read more

How to make the best chocolate cake of your life (even if it’s gluten-free)

Everyone loves chocolate cake, even if everyone’s favourite sort is different. Photo: Mike’s Photography / Pixabay By Alby Hailes One of the biggest realisations I’ve had in the last six months of starting an artisan baking business is that there’s one flavour that rules them all: CHOCOLATE. Whether that’s a layer of melted chocolate on … Read more